3 STRATEGIES FOR LIVING WITH DEPRESSION

He went to bed for 3 months, living on protein drinks, only getting up to go to the bathroom. My husband was in his dark night of the soul. We had just buried our second, and only remaining son.  His sudden, unexpected death thrust both of us into PTSD. Antidepressants and therapy weren't cutting it. I was powerless over his depression.

Because I was working, shopping, and functioning, I often found myself in the position of being his caretaker. My own grief was pushed aside, and anger replaced it.

Do you live with someone who suffers from chronic or acute depression? There are things that you can do for yourself to prevent your loved one from grabbing you and pulling you down with them. It doesn't matter if the depression is  medically diagnosed or situational like ours.

1. Take Care of Yourself

• Keep up with your hobbies and interests.
• Continue socializing even if you have to do it without your partner.
• Find help. Here are a few good resources:  Family Caregiver alliance, AARP, Caregiver Action Network. 
• Continue healthy eating and exercising habits.

If your depressed family member is a child, it is especially important to seek help. Click here for a helpful article from Thewholechild.com.

2. Set Boundaries

• Don't do things for them that they are truly able to do for themselves.
• Don't allow them to traumatize you by reliving an unpleasant event over and over. It is OKAY to walk away.
• If you are estranged insist on reuniting only with professional help.
• If possible don't allow them to monopolize all of your time and attention.
• Do not accept abusive behavior.

3. Forgive them

• Remember that they are sick.
• Let go of false expectations.
• Ask God to help you see them through His eyes.
• Pray for them.

Ephesians 4:2-3: "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

 For those of you dealing with mood disorders click here for a helpful article from Families For Depression Awareness.

My husband has slowly started participating in life again, but neither of us will ever be the same. There is a level of acceptance that must come with severe loss. The battered vet knows he will never see his comrades again in this life. The parents of shooting victims will never forget that their beloved child isn't going to walk through the door and ask what's for dinner.

By following the suggestions above, I have reclaimed a sense of normalcy. I involve myself in helping others whenever I can, so that while I can't always help my hubby's outlook, I can make a difference in the lives of others. This helps to neutralize the negative impact that his depression has on me. I wrote about this in a recent blog post.Click here to read more.

Those of us walking in faith know that mental healing is coming our way.

Revelation 21:4 "and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

Do you live with depression? What has helped you? Please share your comments below. I would love to share your story in a future post.